Dillon Gabriel's Potential as Backup for the Cleveland Browns

As the Cleveland Browns evaluate their quarterback depth heading into the offseason, one name that has emerged as a potential addition is Dillon Gabriel—a veteran college signal-caller with a track record of consistency, adaptability, and playmaking ability. After spending five seasons in college (split between UCF and Oklahoma), Gabriel has developed a skill set that translates well to the NFL’s backup role: he’s accurate, quick to read defenses, and capable of stepping in and executing an offense with minimal preparation. For the Browns, who currently have Deshaun Watson as their starter and limited proven depth behind him, Gabriel represents a low-risk, high-reward option to strengthen their quarterback room. Dillon Gabriel's Potential as Backup for the Cleveland Browns explores his collegiate career highlights, the traits that make him a viable backup, and how he could contribute to the Browns’ success.

Gabriel’s collegiate resume speaks to his reliability and ability to perform in high-pressure situations—a critical asset for a backup quarterback. Across his five seasons, he threw for over 14,000 yards, 125 touchdowns, and just 35 interceptions, posting a career completion percentage of 63.5%. What stands out most is his adaptability: he thrived in both UCF’s spread offense (which emphasized quick passes and RPOs) and Oklahoma’s more pro-style system (which required him to make deeper reads and adjust to complex defensive schemes). This versatility was on full display in his final season at Oklahoma, where he threw for 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns, leading the Sooners to a Big 12 Championship appearance. “Dillon’s ability to learn and execute different offenses is one of his biggest strengths,” said former Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby. “He doesn’t just memorize plays—he understands the why behind them, which lets him make smart decisions when things don’t go as planned.” For the Browns, this adaptability means Gabriel could quickly learn their offensive scheme, reducing the learning curve if he’s ever called upon to play. Dillon Gabriel's Potential as Backup for the Cleveland Browns emphasizes that his collegiate success isn’t just about stats—it’s about the intangibles that make a reliable backup.

A closer look at Gabriel’s playing style reveals specific traits that align with the Browns’ needs in a backup. He’s a quick decision-maker, often getting the ball out within 2.5 seconds of the snap—an ability that would help the Browns avoid sacks and keep drives alive if Watson is sidelined. He’s also accurate in intermediate routes (10-20 yards), which are a staple of Cleveland’s offense, and has shown the ability to extend plays with his legs when needed (he rushed for over 1,000 yards in college, including 11 rushing touchdowns). One example of his playmaking came in a 2023 game against Texas, where he scrambled for 15 yards to convert a third-and-10, then followed it up with a 25-yard touchdown pass to seal the win. “Dillon doesn’t panic when the pocket breaks down,” said former UCF coach Josh Heupel. “He stays calm, keeps his eyes downfield, and finds ways to make plays. That’s the kind of poise you want in a backup—someone who can step in and keep the offense moving.” Gabriel also has a history of staying healthy, playing in 48 of 50 possible games in college—a key factor for a backup, who needs to be ready at a moment’s notice. Dillon Gabriel's Potential as Backup for the Cleveland Browns highlights that these traits make him a natural fit for the Browns’ system and the backup role.

For the Cleveland Browns, adding Gabriel as a backup would provide much-needed stability to their quarterback room. Currently, the Browns’ backup options are limited: Joshua Dobbs has NFL experience but has never been a full-time starter, and rookie Shedeur Sanders is still developing. Gabriel, with his collegiate success and adaptability, would offer a middle ground—someone with the experience to step in and win games, but without the high salary demands of a veteran starter. The Browns could likely acquire Gabriel at a reasonable cost (either as an undrafted free agent or a late-round draft pick), allowing them to allocate cap space to other positions of need (like offensive line or secondary). “Having a reliable backup is crucial in the NFL—injuries are inevitable,” said Browns general manager Andrew Berry, when asked about quarterback depth earlier this offseason. “We’re always looking for players who can come in and contribute, whether that’s on special teams, defense, or at quarterback.” For the Cleveland Browns, Gabriel represents a cost-effective way to strengthen their roster while protecting against the risk of losing Watson to injury. Dillon Gabriel's Potential as Backup for the Cleveland Browns shows that the Cleveland Browns’ interest in Gabriel aligns with their broader strategy of building a deep, competitive roster.

Gabriel’s potential as a backup also extends beyond on-field performance—he could serve as a valuable mentor to Sanders, the Browns’ young rookie quarterback. Gabriel’s experience navigating different college offenses and his understanding of what it takes to succeed as a signal-caller would help Sanders adjust to the NFL. He could also push Dobbs in practice, creating healthy competition that would elevate the play of all quarterbacks in the room. “Dillon has always been a team-first player,” said Lebby. “He’s not interested in being a backup just to collect a paycheck—he wants to help the team win, whether that’s by preparing the starters in practice, mentoring younger players, or stepping in when needed.” For the Cleveland Browns, this team-first mindset is just as important as Gabriel’s on-field skills. A backup quarterback who is supportive of the starter (instead of resentful) helps maintain a positive locker room culture—a key factor in a team’s success. Gabriel’s history of being a good teammate (he was a team captain at both UCF and Oklahoma) suggests he would fit seamlessly into the Browns’ locker room. Dillon Gabriel's Potential as Backup for the Cleveland Browns underscores that the Cleveland Browns would benefit not just from Gabriel’s playing ability, but also from his leadership and work ethic.

Looking ahead, the Cleveland Browns have several options for adding Gabriel—they could target him in the later rounds of the NFL Draft, sign him as an undrafted free agent, or even pursue him as a low-cost free agent if he doesn’t get selected. Based on his collegiate performance and the needs of the Browns’ quarterback room, it’s likely that Gabriel would get a significant opportunity to compete for the backup job in training camp. For Gabriel, joining the Browns would be a chance to learn from Watson—a proven NFL starter—and showcase his skills in a system that fits his playing style. “I just want a chance to compete,” Gabriel said in a recent interview. “I know my role would be to back up the starter, but I’m ready to work hard, learn, and be prepared if my number is called.” For the Browns, adding Gabriel would be a smart, proactive move to strengthen their quarterback depth and protect against the unexpected. Dillon Gabriel's Potential as Backup for the Cleveland Browns concludes that as the Cleveland Browns prepare for the upcoming season, Dillon Gabriel’s potential as a backup quarterback makes him a player worth watching. He has the skills, adaptability, and mindset to contribute to the team’s success—whether that’s in practice, on the sidelines, or on the field when it matters most. In the NFL, having a reliable backup can be the difference between a playoff run and a lost season—and Gabriel could be that difference-maker for the Browns.